The Plateau State Police Command has begun the trial process for 22 individuals arrested in connection with the killing of 13 wedding guests in the Mangun community, located in Mangu Local Government Area.
According to PUNCH Metro, the tragic event unfolded on June 20, 2025, when a bus transporting passengers from Kaduna State came under mob attack, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
While briefing reporters at the command headquarters in Jos on Thursday, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, revealed that officers had quickly responded to the situation by deploying personnel and equipment to the scene, leading to the apprehension of the suspects.
He confirmed that investigations had been concluded and the suspects would now face charges in court.
The CP said, “On June 20, 2025, we received a report at the Mangu Division, reporting that a bus carrying passengers from Kaduna State was being attacked by a mob at the Mangun market square, Mangu LGA.
“Upon receipt of this report, I directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mangu Division to mobilise and lead a team of policemen to the scene of the crime. On reaching the scene, our men in collaboration with other security agencies successfully dispersed the mob and rescued 21 victims who were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
“While conducting a preliminary investigation, we discovered that the victims were travellers from Zaria, Kaduna State who were on their way to attend a wedding ceremony at Kwa village of Qua’anpan Local Government Area in a 32-seater bus with the inscription, ‘Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria’, when they lost their way and were unfortunately attacked by a mob at the Mangun village, Mangu LGA of Plateau State.”
He further explained that in response, he ordered the immediate deployment of personnel from the State Criminal Investigation and State Intelligence Departments to Mangu for further probe and intelligence gathering. He also deployed tactical teams and other resources to support the operation and bring those responsible to justice.
“On June 21, 2025, at about 07:00 am, I visited the scene of the crime in the company of my management team and heads of other security agencies to assess the situation and put necessary measures in place to forestall any further breakdown of law and order. Today, I am pleased to announce to you that due to the diligent and swift operation of our men, we have arrested 22 suspects, while six suspects are still at large,” he added.
The CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice is served, stressing that every individual involved in the crime would face legal consequences.
He appealed to residents, particularly young people, to shun mob actions and instead report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.
“I wish to use this opportunity to assure the good and peace-loving people of Plateau State that the command, under my leadership, is doing everything within the ambits of our constitutional powers, to ensure that all those involved in the perpetration of this evil and inhuman act are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law. I therefore call on all Plateau citizens, especially the youths to avoid taking the law into their hands, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or any other security agency.
“I called you here today to keep you abreast with the above development on this case, as an investigation has been concluded and we will be charging the suspects in court immediately after this press briefing.”
Following the briefing, the 22 suspects were brought before Justice Boniface Ngyon at Court 10 of the Plateau State High Court, where they were scheduled to be arraigned on a four-count charge.
During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Ikutanwa, requested the court to allow the suspects to enter their plea.
However, defence counsel Garba Pwol opposed the request, stating that two of the defendants were minors—aged 13 and 17—which rendered the charge procedurally flawed.
He argued that, under the law, minors cannot be subjected to such judicial proceedings and requested more time to formally file an objection.
In response, the prosecuting counsel proposed that the names of the underage suspects be removed, allowing the remaining 20 to proceed with their plea.
After hearing both sides, Justice Ngyon decided it would be best to postpone the arraignment. He ruled that the suspects’ plea would instead be taken the next day (Friday), after removing the minors from the list.
Justice Ngyon then ordered that all the accused remain in police custody and adjourned the case to Friday to allow the prosecution to amend the charges accordingly.
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